Absolutely. English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you'll find it easy to make your way around. From road signs and menus to phone directories and public transport, English is always an option.
If you're not too hot on your language skills, you're in luck. English is widely spoken in Dubai, so you won't have to become fluent in Arabic to get around. That being said, most people who live in Dubai will pick up at least some Arabic over time.
About 75% of the population in Dubai are expatriates, majority of who speak in English or in their native language. Some important contracts like employment contracts or rental agreements are written in both Arabic and English languages. So English is used in written documents too.
Hello / Goodbye
While in Dubai, the most common greetings visitors will come across are marhaba (hello) and maasalaamah (goodbye or with peace). These are considered standard greetings for everyday situations and would be an appropriate way to say hello to restaurant staff or hotel concierges.
Dubai is, in fact, one of the safest Middle Eastern cities for tourists. Its stricter laws mean that crime is kept to a minimum, and many tourists feel much safer in Dubai than they do in other parts of the globe. The crime rate in Dubai is much lower than comparable countries in other regions in the world.
Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. In Dubai and all other emirates besides Sharjah, the drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.
So, is Dubai really that expensive? Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between.
For men, loose-fitting trousers and knee-length shorts will serve you well during the day. Dubai is a famously cosmopolitan city, but it's important to dress modestly in public spaces out of respect for local customs by avoiding bare shoulders and midriffs.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Dubai is $1,498 for a solo traveler, $2,690 for a couple, and $5,044 for a family of 4. Dubai hotels range from $35 to $107 per night with an average of $46, while most vacation rentals will cost $210 to $530 per night for the entire home.
The customary greeting is 'As-salam alaikum' (peace be upon you). The reply is 'Wa alaikum as-salam' (and upon you be peace). Handshakes are the normal form of greeting, but ensure you use only your right hand. Members of the same sex who know each other well often greet warmly, with embraces.
Dubai's weather is warm all year round with two distinct summer and winter seasons. The lowest average temperatures are around 20⁰C in January, while the summer months (between June and August) have averages of around 30⁰C.
What is the average salary in Dubai? The average salary in Dubai is AED 16,775 per month6 — this is roughly $4,570. In the US, the average monthly income is $3,9007.
The currency in Dubai is the dirham, which is shortened to AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). One dirham is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, meaning the exchange rate never changes.
If you intend to live and work in the country, you will need a long-term visa. Those looking to work in the UAE will need a work permit, often referred to as a labor (sic) card. Before you can apply for a work permit, you will need the following: An entry employment visa.
Let's begin. If you don't want to read the whole blog, here is the bottom line; a salary of AED 10,000 - 15,000 (USD 2,700 - 4,000) a month is considered pretty decent with the potential to save a good amount, while a salary of AED 15,000 - 20,000 (USD 4,000 - 5,400) per month and more is considered very attractive.
It is now possible living as a Dubai couple without being married. However, the law is only valid for heterosexual couples.
When people ask me how long to spend in Dubai, I typically advise them to book between five and seven days to see all of Dubai's most impressive attractions, bars and restaurants. With that in mind, this guide covers all the top tourist attractions and things to see in Dubai in five days or more.
November to February is considered to be the best time to visit this emirate, as temperatures are pleasant and there's a buzz in the air with a range of events and activities from the Dubai Shopping and Food Festivals to the Dubai World Cup.
You can wear shorts in Dubai and even skirts, if they are at knee length and not shorter than that. Just be mindful of the fact that there are a lot of families and children there.
So, if you're going there, you should carry socks as well. You can use flip-flops wherever you go in Dubai. If you're staying at a luxurious hotel you should refrain from wearing them. Additionally, since they are so simple to misplace in the dunes, it is best to avoid wearing them in the desert.
Skirts, dresses, tops, jeans, etc. anything is allowed. Can tourists wear casual outfits in Dubai? Yes, tourists can wear casual outfits in Dubai.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Dubai and Sydney
You would need around 23,893.3AED (9,665.1A$) in Sydney to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 19,000.0AED in Dubai (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare cost of living.
January. The temperature in Dubai averages around 20°C during the month of January. While it is the coldest month in Dubai, it is fairly warmer as compared to the weather to the weather you experience in the north and central India during this time.